Western Australia’s Mike Jones became agricultural biotechnology’s first representative on the Australian Biotechnology Advisory Council (ABAC) when recently appointed to the body which advises the Federal Government on how best to progress Australia’s billion dollar biotechnology industry.

Biotechnology is used broadly in areas such as medicine, agriculture, brewing, bread making and diagnostics and requires strict management of intellectual property issues.

While debate continues over the introduction of genetically modified crops in Australia, this only comprises one element of biotechnology, and ABAC aims to manage cohesive development within the industry. The Federal portfolios of Industry, Tourism and Resources; Health and Ageing; Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Education, Science and Training and Environment and Heritage will consult ABAC.

Professor Jones is Director of the Murdoch University-based Western Australia State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC), which hosts 200 scientists conducting molecular research into 12 species of farmed plants and animals.

"Biotechnology is a science discipline with tremendous environmental and commercial potential, but it is often confused with its most famous brainchild, genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

"SABC, for example, is using biotechnology to help control feral cat populations which threaten Australia’s delicate ecosystem, we’re working with the Perth Zoo to help preserve endangered species and I expect biotechnology will ultimately combat the rising threat of cane toads in Kakadu.

"ABAC’s advice to the Federal Government, especially through its input into the National Biotechnology Strategy, will shape how Australia can benefit from and grow this technology through safer production, sustainable agriculture, better products and licensing new technologies," Professor Jones said.

Agriculture’s switch to biotechnology will underpin future management of disease and pest threats to Australia’s $20.8 billion crop and $18.5 billion livestock industries.

Biotechnology has already halved timelines for the development of new wheat varieties, which small biotechnology companies can develop at just 20 per cent of the traditional cost.